Ongoing delays in the downtown construction project are wearing
on even the most ardent supporters of the city’s plan
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
JEERS: For the news that the downtown improvement project, which has closed Monterey Street and turned it into a construction “war zone” for months, will be delayed – again. Even downtown business owners who have been reluctant to criticize the city and the contractor are reaching wit’s end. It is reasonable to remember that unearthing a century-old downtown is bound to bring up unforeseen issues and delays. It is also reasonable to dig into whether or not the city and contractor have reacted swiftly and efficiently in dealing with those unforeseen problems. “Open for Christmas” should be the steady mantra now.
CHEERS: For the determined students in Future Farmers of America and 4H organizations who raise animals, grow plants, and create cooking and craft projects. The high point of all this work is three days at the Santa Clara County Fair. Then the students show their animals, which are then sold at auction. The students use the money for college and, of course, to purchase their next animal. The groups support and help each other all year and then share the fair, win or lose. Cheers, too, for Nob Hill Foods and the other auction buyers who reward the young competitors and buy the best lamb, beef and pork you can imagine.
JEERS: For Santa Clara County, which has allowed the county fair to flounder until becoming a second-rate event. It’s so unfortunate that the government can’t manage to fully support the fair. Truth be told, agriculture in Santa Clara County is still strong. What’s missing is the will to find an organization that can stage a financially successful fair. It’s easier, apparently, to just kill it slowly with neglect.
CHEERS: For those residents who have decided to seek public office on our local school boards. It’s not easy to campaign nor make the tough decisions required. Through the praise and the criticism that is given to our local officials, there is an overriding sense of their commitment to our community. In advance, thank you one and all.
JEERS: For the Santa Clara County Planning Department, which has stymied the remodeling of Solis Winery for five years. The efforts of Dave and Valerie Vanni have been met at every turn with roadblocks and negativity. It is a textbook case of government bureaucracy at its very worst.
JEERS: For the shortage of farmworkers which is costing farmers thousands in lost profits. Crops rotting in the fields is bad domestic policy stemming from a rotten foreign policy.
JEERS: For the Gilroy City Council, which passed an “Ex-parte Communication Policy” filled with legal jargon that will have a chilling impact on communication with the public. It’s a mess. Read it, if you like, at www.gilroydispatch.com.
